News and Information from PFERD North America

Marketing

After many months of planning, designing, and collaboration, the PFERD TOOL VAN is “wrapped”!

The talented professionals at GFXI, a design company specializing in merchandising displays and large-scale branding, have been working closely with PFERD’s Marketing Department since the summer of 2012 to bring this long-awaited project to life.

Based in Chicago, Applications Specialist Kevin Kolb will be test-marketing our TOOL VAN program in the Chicago-Milwaukee corridor initially. The TOOL VAN will be PFERD’s “Mobile Solutions” vehicle, making appointments and calls on distributors and end users to demonstrate PFERD products, develop application solutions, and provide training and expertise on our expansive product line.

The TOOL VAN is currently on its way to Monroe Truck for interior installations and fixtures, after which it will be ready to roll!

Designed for initial use at FABTECH 2011 to hand out samples of the new .045″ T-SGP wheels for Steel, the new sleeve is designed to hold a single wheel. The dimension is large enough to hold up to a 6″ diameter wheel. The same sleeve will be used for 4-1/2″, 5″ and 6″ wheels.

The package is more versatile than our present Test Paks with 3 wheels. The new pack has a series of check boxes to indicate wheel diameter, thickness and workpiece material. It may therefore be used for most cut-off wheels.

If you have trunk stock, frequently give an end user a wheel or two to try, you can upgrade your presentation by requesting empty test pak sleeves from Marketing. We’ll be happy to send you a supply for your personal use!

I enjoyed the opportunity to visit the new PMB facility in Milwaukee, WI in August and September of 2011. Because all marketing and training materials were sent to the new facility, it was necessary for me to locate and organize the department resources.

Sam Birel and his entire team has been hard at work for several months to make this new facility “home”. By the time I arrived, it felt like the plant had been there for years. All production equipment was up and running smoothly. The warehouse looks like Leominster used to, only on steroids. The racks are taller, the rows are longer, and since the consolidation of all inventory, I was really struck by how much product we have. Employees in their new workstations and offices seem comfortable and going about business as usual.

It is remarkable to walk in and see the hustle and bustle, and to think that a few short months ago, the business was entirely different. The PMB team has clearly accepted the challenge to bring the organization to the next level.

I am confident that you will be equally impressed by the facility and the staff on your next visit. Please see the website for some photos and additional information on the opening of the new facility.

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Richard Shagoury to the position of Marketing Communications Manager. Rick joined PFERD 8 years ago as Marketing Assistant. In 2007 he was promoted to Marketing Coordinator.

In his new position, Rick is responsible for the continued creative design of published materials, including catalogs, promotions and corporate correspondence, for developing web communications strategies, and for organizing trade shows.

In addition, Rick will assume Product Management responsibility for catalog sections 201 (Files) and 203 (Mounted Points). He will strive to become the resident expert on these products through research, training and local field experience. He will collect competitive nformation as well as feedback provided from field staff members. He will communicate with Product Managers at ARM to develop new products to grow sales and market share in North America.

Please join us in congratulating Rick on his promotion and in wishing him continued success at our company.